At first, crocoite from Russia was the main source, but in 1827, a larger chromite deposit was discovered near Baltimore, United States.
In 1845, he established the Baltimore Chrome Works at Fells Point to refine the chromite into pigments, the primary use of the mineral at the time.
Chromite was mined at Soldiers Delight NEA until 1860 by Isaac Tyson, and some of the old mine shafts are still present.